'German-British Freundship Award' for Liverpool coach

Former Borussia Dortmund and current Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp was awarded the inaugural "German-British Freundship Award" in a ceremony in Dortmund Friday evening, reported dpa.

Bestowed by the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany, the award honours personalities who promote closer ties between Germany and the United Kingdom.

Klopp received the award from Campino, lead singer of the German punk rock band Die Toten Hosen in a ceremony at Dortmund's stadium attended by 300 invited guests.

Klopp recounted falling in love with England as a child.

"It's a great country with great people," said Klopp. "I am very honoured to be the first to receive the German-British Freundship Award," Klopp, dressed in black, said at the festive gala.

"It's funny to hear so many things about yourself," Klopp added after the speeches.

"But for lack of alternatives I'm probably the right one," the 54-year-old quipped. "I feel extremely comfortable on both sides and I really appreciate the peculiarities of both nations."

Klopp worked in Dortmund for seven years before moving to Liverpool in 2015 and leading the club to their first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020.

The year before he had won the Champions League with the Reds. His contract in Liverpool runs until June 30, 2024.